The museum is housed in Norfolk's nineteenth-century City Hall, which is both a Virginia Historic Landmark and a National Historic Place. A monumental rotunda is the General and Mrs. MacArthur's final resting place. They lie surrounded by inscriptions, banners and flags heralding his long and glorious career. While the project broadens the focus of the exhibitry, General MacArthur remains the central figure of the museum.
Additionally, the exhibits move beyond just a chronology of the General's deeds. They discuss the events and those who served and explain the outcome of these periods of history. Second, information is presented in formats that are interesting and informative to all, while providing visitors a memorable experience. The MacArthur Memorial's extensive collection of military and personal artifacts allows visitors to discover the compelling story of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur and the millions of American men and women who served our nation during the Civil War, Indian Wars, the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. The Museum's displays are housed in nine permanent and two changing exhibit galleries.